Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan for my visit?
This really depends on your interests.
• We would recommend allowing at least half a day for your visit should you wish to complete the full tour of the Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum and to visit the church of St. Paul, Herb Garden and Coffee Shop however, some people find they stay all day or need to return again to see it all.
• Two hours would be ample to visit the outdoor areas at a leisurely pace.
When are you open?
Open days for the Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum vary throughout the seasons. See our section on Opening times for the most current information.
Hive Coffee Company, inside Jarrow Hall House, is an independent coffee shop and their hours are different to the Museum. For their latest information, see https://www.hivecoffeecompany.uk/
St. Paul’s Church is a living Church and has a regular programme of Christian Worship in addition to having Volunteers who are delighted to share the history of the Church and Medieval Monastery with people of all faiths or none. They also have a small gift shop. Their opening hours can be found on their own pages.
Where is Jarrow Hall?
Our address is Jarrow Hall, Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY. The site was formerly known as Bede’s World and some local signage still shows this name. We are next to Drewitt’s Park, the River Don and St. Paul’s Church. We are very close to both Tyne Tunnels (Road and pedestrian/cycle tunnels).
What do you offer for children?
• Outdoor natural play area featuring a ship sand box with hidden bones
• Edwin’s Camp – clamber inside our tent, eat a ‘meal’ around our soft play fire and dress up in Anglo-Saxon clothing
• Build your own monastery with our foam blocks
• Make your own Lego collection
• Try out the interactive coloured glass display with lots of buttons to press
• Colour your own sword, axe or one of our cats in to take home
• On Saturdays come try different heritage crafts down the village!
• Frequent Trials around the museum, farm and village
• Buy a Museum Pack at reception to find new ways of exploring
• Check out our Events Page to see what else is on!
Getting Here
How do I get to Jarrow Hall by public transport/ on foot/ by bike?
Go North East bus number 27, The Crusader, runs from Newcastle City Centre to South Shields passing through many connecting transport hubs. The bus stops are very close to the main entrance, ask for Church Bank, Jarrow. Full information on the service : https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services/GNE/27
The best Metro Station to use is Jarrow. From there, we are about a 10 minute walk. (Bede Metro Station is also available but involves finding your way through an industrial estate and crossing over a very busy main road). We are on the South Shields to St. James’ line on the metro. See their map here. More information available from Nexus.
Please note: some signage still has “Bede’s World” on it. This is what the site was called under previous ownership. Many locals still refer to us as Bede’s World: this can be useful to know if asking for help with directions or following the finger signs from Jarrow town centre. We are about a 10 minute walk from Jarrow Town Centre.
We are about a 10 minute walk from the southern end of the historic Tyne Pedestrian and Cycle Tunnel.
We are on National Cycle Network route 14, known as the Keelman’s Way. You can secure your bike here and staff will happily store your helmet or pannier bags for you or even charge your e-bike battery while you visit.
Is there parking? Do I have to pay?
We have ample free parking in two car parks. These are private car parks and both are locked overnight once the museum and Hive Coffee Co. close. We WILL lock you in when we leave! Please bear this in mind especially if visiting the park or St. Paul’s Church.
Please leave the small car park available for those with access needs. Use the larger car park on the opposite side of the road if you are able to.
There are two spaces in the small car park nearest the museum which provide charging points for electric vehicles.
Tickets
How much does is cost to visit? And more questions…
See our Tickets section for full information. Tickets get you in until the December of that year – not just your one visit!
Do you have any discounted or concessionary entry prices?
Yes. See our Tickets section including Additional Information for details
Do carers get in for free?
Yes. See our Tickets section including Additional Information for details
Is entry included with National Trust/ English Heritage/ Museums Association memberships?
Museums Association members do get in free of charge. We are not linked with English Heritage or National Trust.
My child has a Max Card, do you offer any discount?
Yes. See our Tickets section including Additional Information for details
Access
Can I bring my assistance/pet dog?
We are very dog-friendly both inside the museum building and outdoors! We do however have 3 museum cats now and so this is worth bearing in mind to be prepared for if your dog reacts to spotting cats.
When we have an Avian Influenza Outbreak then we are unable to allow any dogs onto the farm and village but if this is the case there will be clear updates on our social media.
Can I use a buggy/wheelchair/mobility scooter?
Yes. Some areas of the farm and village have soft or uneven ground but the majority is fully accessible. For further details, have a look at our Accessibility section. Groundwork SaNT are making constant improvements to the site to be as inclusive as possible.
Do you have quiet times for visitors with additional needs?
We don’t have a regular programme currently but are very keen to explore this in the future. If you send us an enquiry, we will do our best to discuss your needs so you can decide if there is anything we can do to support a visit. Have a look at our Accessibility section for more details of our site. We are currently developing Sensory Backpacks as part of our museum offer.
Other Opportunities you may be interested in include:
• Our Young Archaeologists Club has a Relaxed Morning Session. Check out our Event Page
• Our Heritage Skills project has a focus on offering volunteering opportunities to everyone and a focus on accessibility to do this. Email [email protected] to find out more
Tours and Education
Do you do guided tours?
Yes. We currently offer guided tours on a regular basis – watch our on social media or get in touch to find out when the next one is. Should one of our volunteers be available, they can give you a guided tour free of charge. Should you want to guarantee access to a tour guide or request one just for your group then we would ask you to contact us in advance to check and there may be a nominal additional charge. Email [email protected]
I am a tour guide, can I bring a group?
Yes. We don’t charge extra for independent tour groups but we would ask you to book in advance. We can also, for a small fee, arrange for refreshments and a private space to enjoy them should you wish. Please send an email to [email protected]
We home-school/I work at a school/college and we’d like to bring some of our students. What do you offer?
We have a dedicated, expert education team who can discuss your needs and the packages available. They can also offer outreach and on-line/digital engagement. Please contact them directly on [email protected].
If you don’t plan to come as part of a group also have a look at our Events Page to see what’s on! Our Heritage Skills Project has a group every Friday 10am-1pm where children are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult. These activities are aimed at adults but we welcome wannabe crafters of all ages.
Your Visit
Is the Monastery/Church open to visit?
We hold and display a permanent exhibition of archaeological finds belonging to the medieval monastic site at neighbouring St. Paul’s church. Check out our Collections Page to find out more
You can visit the Site of the Monastery and St. Paul’s Church which is a short walk away. For more information about visiting the church, see their Facebook.
For more history of the Church, visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-pauls-monastery-jarrow/
Do I have to book in advance or can I just turn up on the day?
All visitors, including small children, need Tickets. These can be bought at reception or online before you come. Once you have a ticket these last until we close for winter in December and you just show your ticket (or a photo of it) to staff at reception.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, just put your litter in the bin provided or even better take it home with you! There are picnic tables on the grass beside the natural play space, feel free to use them, but please clean up after yourself.
The picnic tables behind Jarrow Hall House are for Hive Coffee Company customers only. They are open Monday – Sunday 10-3pm. Menus are updated weekly on their Facebook and website.
I see you rescue animals. Can you take a cockerel/pig/rabbit/guinea pig?
Careful consideration is taken by the farm manager before agreeing to rehome any animal here at Jarrow Hall. Our farm team need to be confident that they can give every individual a high quality of life and priority is given to rare/ ancient/ native breeds or those which would help to educate our visitors about the development of kept animals throughout the ages. Send any enquiries to our main email address. [email protected]
Do you take waste food for the animals?
I think I dropped something. Has it been handed in?
We keep hold of lost property until the end of the calendar year then donate to charity where appropriate. Send an email to [email protected] and we’ll have a rummage for you.
I’m looking for work experience, do you take people on placements?
We can offer work experience under some circumstances however Groundwork SaNT have students of their own and priority is given to those within our own educational settings. We have limited resources to support work placements but by all means send us a request as every person is different.
Perhaps you would enjoy being a regular volunteer instead? See how you can Get Involved.
Avian Flu
As of 5th May 2022 we have lifted additional bio-security measures for visitors and staff with regards to Avian Flu. This situation can change quickly although it usually only applies to the winter season. When in place, we cannot allow dogs, including assistance dogs, onto the farm area. No exceptions. All footwear and other items such as wheels and mobility aids that touch the ground need to be disinfected. At times, including at short notice, we may need to restrict access altogether, please phone 07966 330022 or email [email protected] for more information.
